Tarpey did brilliantly again to keep out Shauna Howley before Rowe, with the score of the match to date, collected a point to put DCU 1-5 to 0-5 up at half-time.

Shauna Howley rattled the DCU crossbar early in the second half, before landing a magnificent point.

Trailing by 0-6 to 1-6, UL were back in contention with points from sub Róisín Howard and Cork ace Eimear Scally, before a Rowe point settled DCU again.

In a repeat of the 2015 final, DCU looked to have taken a significant step towards Sunday’s final when Aisling Sheridan outjumped Crowley to fist the ball to the UL net.

Crucial Scally frees kept UL in touch but a comeback was still looking unlikely, until Tarpey had the ball in her possession before it was tackled from her grasp and into the net by Howley.

Scally converted a 14-metre free soon after and having moved clear, UL would not be caught.

Rogers, Howley and Aisling McCarthy added further points to send UL through, with full-time finally confirmed after a lengthy stoppage.

In the second semi-final, defending champions UCD opened well with a point from Maria McGrath but UCC responded with Cotter’s first goal.

Cotter’s Cork team-mate and 2016 All-Ireland final star Doireann O’Sullivan was superb in the first half, and UCC had daylight when Coppinger took a pass from Orlagh Farmer before sending a looping shot to the net.

At the break, UCC were 2-4 to 0-5 clear and O’Sullivan opened with intent, adding another point.

The end result was put beyond any doubt when Cotter profited from Áine O’Sullivan’s work to score a third goal for UCC, and they ran out comprehensive 12-point winner.

UCC and UL will contest the final at Elvery's MacHale Park on Sunday afternoon, with a 4pm throw-in.

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